IMD issues emergency nowcast for Chandigarh Tricity, warns of hailstorm and 60 kmph winds
Weather update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday evening issued an emergency nowcast for the Chandigarh Tricity, warning of an approaching thunderstorm system that could bring rain, hail and strong winds to the region over the next few hours.
According to the advisory issued around 6 pm, Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and nearby areas are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. Residents have been urged to move to safer locations and avoid taking shelter under trees during the storm.
The warning was based on real-time observations from the Patiala Doppler Weather Radar, which detected a well-organised storm system advancing towards the Tricity region. Weather officials said radar imagery showed intense cloud formations capable of producing heavy rainfall and hail.
The nowcast came after several weather alerts issued over the past week failed to result in significant storm activity across the region. Thursday's radar signatures, however, indicated a stronger and more credible weather event, prompting authorities to issue an immediate advisory.
The IMD had placed Chandigarh and surrounding areas under an orange alert for Thursday, a warning that had been in place since the start of the week. Similar alerts on Wednesday produced only limited weather activity, while earlier red alerts last week also failed to materialise before a severe storm eventually struck on Saturday.
Meteorologists said Thursday's approaching system was the first major indication that the forecasted weather conditions could develop as anticipated.
Before the storm warning, Chandigarh witnessed a warm and humid day. The city's maximum temperature settled at 38.1 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than Wednesday but still below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature was recorded at 25 degrees Celsius.
Humidity levels remained elevated, contributing to uncomfortable conditions through much of the day. No significant rainfall or thunderstorm activity was reported during the morning or afternoon hours.
Across the region, southern Punjab and parts of Haryana continued to record higher temperatures, with Bathinda and Sirsa among the hottest locations. However, temperatures remain lower than normal for early June due to the impact of recent weather systems.
The IMD has maintained an orange alert for Friday as well, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph at isolated locations. Light rainfall is expected in parts of the region, while temperatures are likely to remain around 37 degrees Celsius during the day.
The warning level is expected to reduce to a yellow alert on Saturday, with isolated thunderstorms and winds of up to 50 kmph. Light rain is also likely at a few places.
No formal weather warning has been issued for Sunday, although isolated showers cannot be ruled out. Conditions are expected to turn largely dry from Monday, with temperatures gradually climbing towards the 39-degree mark.
- PTC NEWS
